Victoria Becomes First State To Ban Fracking

It has been called a 'win for regional Victoria'.

superjoseph via Getty ImagesVictoria has become the first state to ban fracking in regional areas.

The Victorian government passed a bill in parliament on Tuesday that bans all onshore fracking in the state in a move labelled as a "win for regional Victoria".

In a move likely to induce the ire of mining companies, the bill will see Victoria become the first state in Australia to ban onshore unconventional gas exploration and development through methods such as fracking and coal seam gas.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, who presented the Bill, took to Twitter to celebrate.

Fracking banned. It's official. Congratulations to all the communities who stood up for their farmland and their future.

Fracking is the process of drilling into the earth before a high-pressure liquid mix of water and other chemicals is used on sedimentary rock in order to release gases stored inside. The term 'Fracking' refers to the fracturing of the rock throughout the process.

Why is it controversial?

The Fracking process has caused environmental concerns due to the use and transportation of huge amounts of water. Issues have also been raised over the potential for harmful chemicals to be released during the shattering of the rocks, as well as the threat of tremors and earthquakes.